Finally the periosteum gives way, and an abscess forms in the soft parts; and if left to itself ruptures externally, leaving a sinus. The most satisfactory treatment is to resect sub-periosteally the diseased portion of the diaphysis. The situation and extent of the disease are shown in X-ray photographs.
If an exact diagnosis is made at an early stage of the disease and this is often possible with the aid of X-rays the affected bone is excised sub-periosteally or its interior is cleared out with the sharp spoon and gouge, the latter procedure being preferred in the case of the calcaneus to conserve the stability of the heel.
Word Of The Day